REACH GIS Officer at ACTED

FUNCTIONS

Research Planning

• Lead on all planning aspects of dedicated remote sensing research cycles, including the drafting of research terms of reference, identification of required imagery, base layers, and other analytical inputs, as well as the coordination and identification of inputs from cross-disciplinary team members (assessment and data officers).
• In coordination with relevant assessment and data officer(s), support assessment and survey planning processes, including the review of research terms of references and analysis plans with a view towards the integration of robust sampling approaches and possible geospatial or remote sensing analyses;
• Produce geo-spatial analysis of assessment areas to be used in developing assessment field plans, when required;
• In coordination with data officers, support the construction and update relevant sampling frames for probability sampling approaches,

REMOTE SENSING RESEARCH IMPLEMENTATION

• Work with global GIS and remote sensing unit to implement, develop, modify/adapt new RS tools, scripts, and approaches to the implementation of remote sensing analysis according to pre-agreed terms of references;
• Ensure proper documentation of methodologies and tool development;
• Analysis of rainfall deficits (and surpluses) throughout the water cycle, compared to several reference years and historical averages.
• Analysis of agriculture and cropping coverage (September – December 2022)
• Incorporation of remote sensing derived analytical outputs (e.g. maps, graphs) in overall project analysis and related deliverables (e.g. reports, presentations)

GIS RESEARCH IMPLEMENTATION

• Evaluate opportunities for additional geospatial analysis within existing research cycles;
• Perform spatial/geostatistical analysis to understand if there are patterns beyond conventional levels of aggregation / strata, below administrative levels or with new strata entirely (i.e livelihood zones, environmental features, etc.)
• Responsible for analysis which contributes to products related to hazard/environmental monitoring (flood, drought, wind, landslide, etc), as well as how these interrelate with other analytical layers in emergency contexts such as movement flows (or lack thereof);
• Some additional common tasks: automation (via python or R) to integrate analysis processes into cartographic outputs, spatial network analysis, hotspot analyses.

DATA MANAGEMENT, CLEANING AND ANALYSIS

• Write functions for custom GIS data cleaning/checking;
• Conduct spatial analysis on collected data as per ToRs;
• Ensure that data and its spatial analysis are validated by IMPACT HQ before product drafting stage.
• Recommend and develop data management frameworks that improve preservation, security, automation, and scalability of data processes (i.e PostgreSQL, cloud-based)

DRAFTING OF PRODUCTS

• Drafting of analytical outputs on dedicated remote sensing research cycles, including visualizations, narrative summaries, triangulation with secondary sources, and key takeaways from analysis derived from remote sensing approaches. Coordination with cross-disciplinary team members (Data or Assessment Officers) if relevant.
• Ensure the drafting of timely and accurate GIS products, which comply with IMPACT’s guidelines.
• Maintain regular communication with IMPACT Research Department in HQ on progress and deadlines for GIS products;

Internal Coordination

• Actively participate in regular team meetings.
• Ensure regular coordination and exchange with relevant colleagues.
• Share best practices in accessible format to the IMPACT remote sensing community of practice;
• Represent the Global Emergency Unit when it comes to planning and procurement of UNOSAT services and satellite imagery.
• In coordination with the Research Manager and GIS Specialist, support the development and implementation of capacity training plans for GIS and other team members, particularly on remote sensing capacities;
• Be available to provide regular support and technical backstopping.

EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT

• Maintain analytical linkage with relevant remote sensing or geospatial partners;
• Represent REACH in relevant meetings/working groups and support the presentation of research findings through GIS inputs to relevant third parties in order to enhance their use and impact;
• Follow up on issues identified by partners or during meetings/working groups;
• Promote an active use of datasets, GIS products, and research findings by partners and the broader humanitarian community for their decision making.
• More generally, contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organization, notably through the application of IMPACT’s mandate, ethics values and standpoint regarding the actors.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO COMMUNITIES AND BENEFICIARIES

The GIS/RS Officer is responsible for ensuring that all interactions with affected communities are conducted in a respectful and consultative manner. Due attention must be paid to ensuring that communities are adequately consulted and informed about REACH programme objectives, activities, beneficiary selection criteria, and methodologies. This is the responsibility of every REACH staff member.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION

The GIS/RS SPECIALIST will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all data collected and related processes. He/she will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of any information and data belonging to IMPACT and its partners or collected during his/her assignment with REACH.

Protection Mainstreaming- Promoting of and adhering to Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse policy and guidelines

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION

• Academic: Excellent academic qualifications, preferably including a Master degree related to GIS, Remote Sensing, Data Science, Geography or Hydrology/Environmental-related disciplines;
• Theoretical knowledge: Sound foundational knowledge of remote sensing, including theory, principles, practice, and application. Expands and maintains knowledge in the field through literature;
• Research skills: Advanced experience with remote sensing analysis, and excellent spatial analysis skills; advanced knowledge of climate, drought, and the water cycle is an asset.
• Software skills: Advanced knowledge of Google Earth Engine; advanced knowledge of GIS software (ArcPro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS); demonstrated knowledge of R, STATA, Python or equivalent statistical software an advantage; advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel; knowledge of Adobe Suite, particularly InDesign and Illustrator an asset;
• Years of work experience: At least 3 years of relevant working experience;
• Familiarity with aid system: Experience in a complex humanitarian emergency is not required, but is an asset;
• Communication/reporting skills: Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting;
• Multi-tasking skills: Ability to multitask with tight deadlines, on numerous research cycles;
• Level of independence: Proven ability to work independently;
• Cross-cultural work environment: Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility;
• Language skills: Fluency in English required
• Security environment: Ability to operate in a complex and challenging security environment.